Buttermilk Loop

Richmond, Virginia

This hike makes a slender circuit near Reedy Creek at James River Park. It first follows the narrow and winding Buttermilk Trail, then wanders along the James, where islands await exploration. It then leaves the river and passes its namesake, historic Buttermilk Spring, before returning to the trailhead.
This hike, located in the Reedy Creek area of James River
Park, travels one of its premier paths—the Buttermilk Trail—for approximately half its route. The Buttermilk Trail navigates a hilly wooded corridor under a rich forest of tulip trees, oaks, and insane amounts of ivy and other exotic ground cover, along with ferns and paw-paw. The path will occasionally divide but come together again, nestled between Riverside Drive and Norfolk Southern Railroad. Reach a tower of steps to cross the railroad then join another path wandering along the shore of the big James River.

This hike makes a slender circuit near Reedy Creek at James River Park. It first follows the narrow and winding Buttermilk Trail, then wanders along the James, where islands await exploration. It then leaves the river and passes its namesake, historic Buttermilk Spring, before returning to the trailhead.

This hike, located in the Reedy Creek area of James River Park, travels one of its premier paths—the Buttermilk Trail—for approximately half its route. The Buttermilk Trail navigates a hilly wooded corridor under a rich forest of tulip trees, oaks, and insane amounts of ivy and other exotic ground cover, along with ferns and paw-paw. The path will occasionally divide but come together again, nestled between Riverside Drive and Norfolk Southern Railroad. Reach a tower of steps to cross the railroad then join another path wandering along the shore of the big James River.

Recent Trail Reviews

This trail rocked. High traffic (in the city) but worth it. Do Buttermilk across walking bridge and connect with the North ridge? trail to complete a 6 mile square that crosses the James River x2. AWESOME!